Childminder in Stockton-on-TeesOfsted inspection, 16 Jun 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY217864 Inspection date 16 June 2005 Inspector Lindsey Pollock

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in July 2002. She lives with her husband, her son aged 15 years and her daughter aged 7 years in Ingleby Barwick. Schools, pre-school facilities and shops are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the house for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children. There are currently 10 children on roll of whom 6 are under 8 years of age. All children attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well maintained home. The childminder's good understanding of health and hygiene guidelines helps to ensure children stay healthy. They develop awareness of good hygiene practice as they wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Sleep and mealtime routines are flexible and determined according to individual needs. Children benefit from being offered varied, nutritional food at mealtimes. The childminder works closely with parents to provide food and drinks which appeal to children and meets their dietary needs. They enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables and are encouraged to try different foods to promote their healthy growth and development. Children learn about the importance of physical exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as they walk to and from school each day and gets lots of fresh air. They experience regular opportunities to develop large physical skills as they enjoy using a

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Helping children to be healthy

variety of equipment in the garden including slides, sandpits and scooters.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps to promote children's safety and ongoing risk assessments successfully minimise risks to children. Her home is safe and well maintained with furniture and resources organised to create an environment which allows children to move freely and safely. The childminder carries out her own informal risk assessments to identify hazards in her home and prevent accidents. She helps children to gain an awareness of safety by talking and explaining to them and by being a positive role model. Children are made aware of the emergency evacuation procedure; helping to ensure their safety in an emergency. They develop a clear understanding of safe behaviour when outdoors, as they hold hands when walking to and from school and learn to stop at the kerb. Children are well protected. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regards to child protection. All required procedures and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in the childminders care. Routines and care have been established which are consistent with home, this promotes children's sense of security and develops their confidence. Warm relationships have obviously been

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 developed and the children approach the childminder confidently. Children's self esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them and valuing what they have to offer. They demonstrate developing independence as they select toys and look after their own personal needs. Children enjoy using a wide range of resources such as puzzles, games, creative materials, books and small world equipment which are suitable for their age and stage of development. They make decisions about their play and learning, appropriately supported by the childminder. Activities and play opportunities are purposeful and developmentally appropriate resulting in children being motivated and interested. Older children especially enjoy the opportunity to play outdoors after

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. Children learn to respect differences through sensitive discussions and are receptive to the childminder's good role modelling. A varied range of resources help to raise children's awareness of diversity. Children behave very well due to consistent, positive behaviour management by the childminder. The younger children play well alongside each other and are gaining an understanding of sharing, taking turns, and are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong. Older children negotiate and take responsibility for their own behaviour. They learn to work harmoniously together and develop respect for each other. Trusting partnerships have been established with parents to help promote children's well being, development and progress. Information is shared on a daily basis in both

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Helping children make a positive contribution

verbal and written form. Parent's knowledge of their child's needs and interests is actively sought prior to a placement commencing and on a regular basis throughout their time in the childminder's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed a registration course and an appropriate first aid course which have been approved by the local authority. This has increased her knowledge regarding childminding and of how to administer first aid to the children in her care. Children feel at home and relaxed in the well organised environment resulting in them being confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The required ratios are maintained to ensure children receive appropriate support so their needs are met effectively.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Records, policies and procedures are in place and most are kept appropriately. All records are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and the activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children cared for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has increased the range of resources which reflect diversity to help children appreciate and value each others' similarities and differences.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • keep an accurate record of children's attendance • ensure parents sign records to acknowledge administration of medication.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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